Silence In & Out Of Season
Last week, in the spirit of peace, I entered into a deeper silence. It was glorious and challenging in the right ways. I give thanks for God’s grace and the dedication of my husband to sacrifice for my own salvation. This coming week will be his turn. Deo gratias!
He did an amazing job taking over all the duties — even if he missed the Jesse Tree readings which I spent hours making assessable for him, skipping the ornaments which were already catalogued by date, or forgoing our Advent Mediations which I sent to him and all the big children before going away and being completely off the grid.
All those things may have been sidelined last week but I trust that it was God’s will for my family to be drawn deeper into a silence of their own — silence which helps cultivates a peace, true peace that only Christ can bring.
He did work from home while tending to their schooling, helped our oldest daughter with her home, kept all the meals going (with some help form Papa & Nana and our resident chef), Holy Day obligation was met, our traditional Marian feastday breakfast (even if it was for dinner), took the girls gift shopping for an impromptu surprise party, prayed our regular daily family devotions and a few Advent staples, washed clothes, cleaned the house, prepped for feast days, and so much more.
I give thanks for his steadfast love which counts no cost and does what is necessary — all for the love of God.
Today, Gaudete Sunday, we are filled with Joy, knowing that the Christ Child is so near. As #domprospergueranger reminds us, “Tomorrow we will resume our attitude of servants mourning for the absence of their Lord and waiting for Him; for every delay, however short, is painful and makes love sad.”
Today, Gaudete Sunday, we are filled with Joy, knowing that the Christ Child is so near. As #domprospergueranger reminds us, “Tomorrow we will resume our attitude of servants mourning for the absence of their Lord and waiting for Him; for every delay, however short, is painful and makes love sad.”
We will go deeper into silence for further preparation of the Chirist-child, to more fully prepare our hearts as a gift to Him.
Next week will be his turn for a silent retreat and I will continue where he left off for the children. Then we will make the last week of Advent a family retreat of our own.
RMGS Retreat ~ Bright as the Morning Star
We ended the year on June 19 with the summer retreat. It was also my last activity as leader. I made the very tough decision to step away from all commitments so that I could take the year to regroup as a family. It’s a new season in my family and I want to be certain that we re-establish a firm foundation.
Bright as the Morning Star
Here are some pics from the glorious day. I hope to add some details in the not so distance future.
DEO GRATIAS!
Little Flowers Retreat ~ America for Mary, Our Blessed Mother
This was the final meeting and retreat of my Little Flower leadership. The theme of the retreat was our country – America for Mary, Our Blessed Mother.
It was a blessed day spent with twenty-three Little Flowers, several moms, some sibling helpers, and a couple of Priests.
The day started at 9am with our regular LF format. Then we celebrated Mass, had lunch, and transitioned into our retreat. Below is a brief overview of our schedule for the day that I loosely followed.
9:00 – Arrival
9:10 – Attendance Roll, Prayer
9:15 – Recap Saints & Virtues for the Year
9:25 – Saint & Virtue Lesson – St. Anne & Responsibility
9:45 – Review Take-home Packet and update Binder
9:55 – Craft – Spiritual Bouquet
10:30 – Snack
10:45 – Outdoor Play – jump rope, parachute, tag, races, hula-hoop, and more.
11:45 – Clean-up and restroom break
12:00 – Depart for prayer time in Church
12:15 – Mass
1:00 – Lunch
1:30 – Craft Rotation – God Bless America windsock and Love of Country Handprint Flag T-Shirt
2:15 – Clean-up
2:20 – Out Door Activities – St. Joan of Arc Water Wars, Crown of Mary Relay, and Gracefilled bubbles
3:00 – Snack
3:15 – Free play
4:10 – Clean-up
4:15 – Cool Snack
4:25 – Rosary
4:40 – Pack-up
4:45 – Quiet Craft – Patriotic Jewelry with pipe cleaners and pony beads
4:55 – Snack
5:00 Depart
~~~
Little Flowers Retreat 2012
America for Mary, Our Blessed Mother
CRAFTS:
windsock displayed at the Rectory
Love of Country Handprint Flag T-Shirt
OUTDOOR PLAY:
Crown of Mary Relay
St. Joan of Arc Water Wars
Gracefilled Bubbles & Free Play
Patriotic Popsicles, Rosary, Friends & Fellowship
CRAFT:
America for Mary Jewelry
~~~
Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mystical Rose, make intercession for the Holy Church, protect the Sovereign Pontiff, help all those who invoke thee in their necessities, and since thou art the ever Virgin Mary, and Mother of the True God, obtain for us from thy most holy Son the grace of keeping our faith, of sweet hope in the midst of the bitterness of life, of burning charity, and the precious gift of final perseverance. Amen.
Little PEACE of Italy
we escaped for the weekend in celebration of dad’s birthday. it was a last minute getaway that came together within four days and managed to stay within our very limited budget. praise God!
we traveled to a near-by getaway that seemed like we were in another country—Castillo de Amorosa in Napa, CA.
it was a first for us, on many levels. we haven’t taken a weekend getaway (without kids) in 6 six years, first trip to napa as a couple, and first wine tasting.
we were a king and queen for the weekend while rose manned the home front.
our trip started with sun. Mass (in the Extraordinary Form)at the castle’s chapel.
then we ventured on for a full tour and wine tasting. we were blessed to have a semi-private tour. there was only one other couple in our group. dad and I did not want to leave the authentic, medieval castle.
we laid low after our visit to the castle. we had no plans and winged the rest of the trip with whatever our hearts desired–simple food and relaxed days.
we thoroughly enjoyed discussing our date night questions.
it was a blessed weekend. we give all thanks and glory to the GOOD LORD!
Happy Birthday, my love. May you continue to seek the intercession of the Holy family and surrender to His will.
